February 22, 2026
10 mins
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February 17, 2026
February 17, 2026
Singapore has cemented itself as a premier global hub for digital assets, but it didn't get there by accident. It's built on a foundation of innovation, but with clear guardrails. The city-state has implemented some of the world's most rigorous standards for retail crypto access and institutional conduct.
For professionals, this means the demand for crypto compliance managers has never been higher. Whether it’s navigating the expanded scope of the Payment Services Act (PSA) or the new Financial Services and Markets Act (FSMA) requirements, firms in Singapore are seeking gatekeepers who can balance growth with strict regulatory compliance. If you're looking to break into this high-stakes, high-reward field, here is your roadmap for 2026.
A crypto compliance officer (or manager) is the person responsible for ensuring a Digital Payment Token (DPT) service provider plays by the rules. In Singapore, this means being the point of contact for the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and ensuring the firm isn't being used for money laundering or terrorism financing.
Your day-to-day involves a mix of tech and law. You'll oversee Customer Due Diligence (CDD), monitor transactions for red flags, and ensure that the firm’s technology risk management is up to par. It’s a role that requires you to understand blockchain analytics just as well as you understand the fine print of MAS notices.
In 2026, the role was expanded to include user protection and financial stability oversight. You ensure that customer assets are segregated and that the firm isn't engaging in prohibited activities like lending or staking for retail clients.
Singapore is an all-in jurisdiction when it comes to regulation. MAS has been clear that they don't want a crypto industry built on speculation; they want one built on utility and trust. A compliance officer is the trust anchor for any licensed firm.
Without a qualified compliance team, a crypto business in Singapore can't get (or keep) a Major Payment Institution (MPI) or Standard Payment Institution (SPI) license. Compliance is the literal permit to operate. Furthermore, with the FSMA now in full effect, even firms serving only overseas customers from Singapore must meet these standards.
Most compliance managers in Singapore start with a degree in law, finance, or business. However, your success will be determined by your ability to interpret MAS’ expectations for DPT service providers.
Many successful managers transition from traditional banking or fintech. If you’ve spent a few years in a Big Four audit firm or the AML department of a global bank, you already have 70% of the required mindset. The remaining 30% comes from deep-diving into the specific technicalities of the blockchain and MAS's evolving DPT guidelines.
Start with the rulebook. Read the Payment Services Act 2019 and the Financial Services and Markets Act 2022. These are the pillars of the Singaporean system. You should know the difference between an MPI and an SPI license and why the FSMA was introduced to close the overseas regulatory gaps.
Focus specifically on Notice PSN01 and Notice PSN02. These are the MAS mandates for preventing money laundering and terrorism financing. You'll need to know how to perform enterprise-wide risk assessments and how to identify high-risk customers, such as Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs).
The Institute of Banking and Finance (IBF) and institutions like SMU Academy or SUTD Academy offer courses specifically tailored to the Singaporean regulatory landscape. Look for programmes that are IBF-recognised, as these often come with SkillsFuture funding and carry weight during the hiring process.
Understand how a wallet works, what a smart contract does, and the difference between Layer 1 and Layer 2. The Singapore FinTech Association (SFA) often hosts workshops that bridge the gap between policy and technology.
There’s no better training ground than a firm that’s already gone through the MAS licensing ringer. Working at a licensed exchange or custodian gives you a front-row seat to live compliance, from daily reconciliations to MAS audits. Check out the backgrounds of people in top crypto jobs in Singapore to see where they cut their teeth.
The Travel Rule is a major focus in 2026. MAS Notice PSN02 requires firms to share sender and recipient info for almost all transfers. You’ll need to understand how tools like Notabene or Sygna help firms swap this data securely.
The Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF) is where the regulators and the industry meet. It’s the best place to hear MAS officials speak about the next wave of regulation. Networking here is a great opportunity to stay ahead of the compliance curve.
Certifications such as the Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) or the ICA Diploma in Governance, Risk and Compliance are global benchmarks. Firms in Singapore often list these as preferred or mandatory for manager-level roles.
DeFi is the next frontier for MAS. If you can explain how to apply AML rules to a decentralized protocol or how to conduct on-chain monitoring for a DAO, you'll be a rare and highly sought-after asset. This is expected of independent crypto advisors in Singapore.
Whether it’s new crypto tax rates in Singapore or changes to the stablecoin framework, you need to be reading MAS consultation papers before they become law.
In Singapore, compliance is a lucrative path. For a mid-level manager in 2026, the average annual base salary is around S$110,000 to S$160,000, according to data from recruiters like Morgan McKinley.
For senior roles or Heads of Compliance at major licensed entities, salaries can easily exceed S$250,000 per year, often with significant bonuses. The high responsibility of being the Accountable Person under MAS rules is reflected in the pay.
If you had to pick one to start, the CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist) is the most universally recognised. However, in Singapore, adding a diploma from the International Compliance Association (ICA) or an IBF-recognised specialist certificate in DPT compliance will give you the local edge you need.
Becoming a crypto compliance manager in Singapore is a journey toward becoming a trusted expert in one of the world's most disciplined markets. It’s a career that offers stability, a high salary, and the chance to work at the absolute cutting edge of finance and technology.
The era of institutional-grade compliance has arrived, and by focusing on MAS standards and building your technical blockchain literacy, you’ll be well-positioned.
At CoinTerminal, we’re here to help you stay compliant and informed. Whether you’re looking to invest or build a career, our platform provides the tools you need to stay ahead. We make early-stage Web3 fundraising accessible. No token gating and no staking requirements. Complete KYC once, and you're ready for any sale. Every contribution of $250 or more automatically enters you into our monthly $5,000 lottery, even if you request a refund later.
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This article is for educational purposes only. It is a general guide for founders and users navigating the Web3 space. It does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research before making any investment decisions.If you want to learn more about raising funds or which IDOs to look into, our team is here to help. Feel free to reach out to us on Telegram at any time.
